He says he is leaving to spend more time with his family. Carell and his wife Nancy have a young son and daughter.

The actor, whose movie career took off after the success of the hit 2005 comedy film "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," had in 2008 signed a three-year contract extension to play Scott on "The Office."

Carell has been nominated for an Emmy five times for his role and received a nod for a Golden Globe for the upcoming ceremony on Sunday, which is hosted by Gervais. Carell, who has won a Golden Globe before, is up against Alec Baldwin of "30 Rock," Thomas Jane of "Hung," Matthew Morrison of "Glee" and Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory."

"The Office" has won a total of four Emmys and has been nominated for a Golden Globe nine times.